Tuesday, October 25, 2011

We, once again, had unseasonably wonderful weather today - and I was able to do my first official half-marathon training workout in the SUNSHINE. I started out with a jacket, but shortly converted to short sleeves. I know those days are few and far between.

I've been finding it harder and harder to work out in the afternoons - with the weather not so lovely and it getting dark earlier. But, I have a plan! I just started a new job (same company, just a promotion) - and really need to work some different hours - staying a bit later in the afternoons. SO, since I work in lovely downtown Portland, Oregon, I'm going to make the most of our waterfront, and I'll be taking longer lunches to make use of the opportunities downtown. Even in the wicked Northwest rainfall, it has to be one of the loveliest places to get some fresh air.

One thing I decided is that with the whole "keep Portland weird" mentality - I won't be the strangest thing out there...whether walking, running, skipping, jumping - or whatever the day's workout brings.

For the most part, I'm still walking. My pace is picking up, though - and I'm starting to add a block of running here and there, regularly, not to mention my FARTLEK sessions! I'm being more diligent about icing after the workouts, and am back to regular acupuncture sessions to help abate any pain.

I have a plan - and that plan includes running most, if not all, of the RnR in May. If it looks like that is going to happen, I think I'll put my name in the hat for the SF Nike Women's half for the fall. (I believe it's a lottery to get in - but SO worth it if your name is drawn!)

Stay tuned...I'm going to have a RUN report before you know it. And, you know I'm living my fit dreams! :)

Sunday, October 9, 2011

My "season" is over. Last weekend was the 30th Annual Great Columbia Crossing - a fun 10K across the Astoria Bridge. It's a relatively flat course - for the first half - then a 200 ft climb to the top of the bridge, with great views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean.

As I started down the bridge, I notice the finish line was at the bottom. I had a lot of steam left, and was dying to run - so I did, all the way down. Little did I realize...the finish line WAS at the bottom - but before you got to cross, there was a half-mile out-and-back left. I'd used all of my "poop" running...and was really disappointed at my lack of planning. But, I made it across - with GOOD time - I kept my 5K pace for the 10K race! A great season-ender.

This past week was fun, too. I had an interview for a fantastic new job. Friday morning, I woke up in ONEDERLAND!!! I have not seen a "1" out front on my scale since Jr. High School! It started and ended as a red-letter-day with the news that I got the job!

This weekend, I spent 24 hours at my son's ROTC jog-a-thon - and RAN (ran-ran, not walked-ran!) 1.25 miles with some of the other parents. The kids are really encouraged when the parents come along side them. It felt REALLY good to participate. (100 kids ran over 830 miles in 24 hours. My son ran more than 22 miles!)

I'm looking forward to this new season..."off season" training, "job training" season, etc., etc., etc. Reports MAY be farther apart, but I'll check in as I have something to report.